Discover another Galapagos, a flexible land-based program that explores extraordinary areas usually limited to boat itineraries. Walk on off-the-beaten-path lava trails in search for pristine wildlife and natural areas; spend time swimming and snorkeling with friendly marine life in untouched bays and coves. Learn about and support the local communities. This program includes the finest accommodations available in the Islands, explores three southern islands, eight islets, and customizable extensions. A perfect trip for families and active travelers of all ages!
Day 1: Transfer to San Cristobal and hike in El Junco
Morning flight to San Cristobal Island. Once we check-in our hotel, we head up to El Junco, the Island’s main crater and lake at 700 meters. This crater lagoon is one of the few permanent bodies of fresh water in the archipelago. We track around looking out for white cheeked pintail ducks, common gallinules, frigate birds, and much more. We continue north to La Galapaguera, to see the giant Galapagos tortoise in its natural habitat. We also encounter finches, mocking birds, and egrets. In the late afternoon, we have time to visit the interpretation center to learn more on the natural history of the Island. Our first evening is free to explore this tranquil port town. Overnight in San Cristobal’s Orca Hotel. (L)
Day 2: San Cristobal: Isla Lobos, Leon Dormido and Punta Pit
Morning hike on a lava trails to Frigate Hill to get striking views of the southern part of the Island. We find dry forest species such as opuntia, candelabra, palo santo, and others. We descend to navigate from Frigate Bay to Isla Lobos, a small island that creates a narrow stretch of calm turquoise waters. We walk on Isla Lobos to see nesting blue-footed bobbies, two species of frigate birds (seasonal), marine iguanas, and colonies of sea lions. We continue on north to visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) for excellent snorkeling, many tropical fish, and hammerhead sharks. This is also a nesting site for masked bobbies and tropical birds. We continue north to the calm waters in Punta Pitt where abundant marine life, make for excellent swimming and snorkeling. We hike up stunning lava trails that lead us to one of the best areas to find the Galapagos tortoise in the wild. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the afternoon. Overnight in San Cristobal’s Orca Hotel. (B, L)
Day 3: Floreana: Punta Cormorant beach and Flamingo lake
Morning transfer on a fast boat to Floreana Island that is one of the first visiting sites in the Islands, dating back to 1792, when whalers erected a barrel to serve as a primitive post office. Learn the rich history and legends from buccaneers and pirates. We hike around the coastal area to discover many shore birds, marine iguanas and sea lions. We continue to Punta Cormorant’s olive-green beach; and Flamingo Lagoon’s fresh water lake where Galapagos ducks, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks, and which is of course, a top spot for flamingo observation. We continue to a white sand beach known as sea turtle nesting sanctuary (Dic. to May). We return to Puerto Villamil, overnight at Hostal Wittmer. (B, L)
Day 4: Floreana: highland hike and transfer to Santa Cruz
In the morning, we set out to visit to Floreana’s highlands walking towards Cerro Pajas, a perfectly shaped volcano cone, surrounded by springs. On our way, we explore some of the legendary old pirate caves. In the early afternoon, we navigate to Santa Cruz Island, where we walk to Punta Estrada, Playa de los Perros, and Las Grietas, which offers impressive volcanic scenery and wildlife. We look out for marine iguanas, frigates, finches, shore birds, and much more. Overnight in Santa Cruz’s Finch Bay Hotel. (B, L)
Day 5: Santa Cruz: Tortuga Bay and transfer out
Visit Charles Darwin Research Station or early hike to Tortuga Bay, a spectacular white sand beach, surrounded by mangroves and salt lakes. Transfer out to the Baltra airport for flight to Quito or Guayaquil. (B)
Operators offering this trip:
Galapagos Adventure
Website: www.galapagosadventure.com